“All in all, very happy with the way things went.”
Colts president Bill Polian got what he came for in the 2010 draft. Size and speed on both sides of the ball. Top pick Jerry Hughes leads the class with his outstanding quickness at rush end, and on day two, he went directly for bulk, two offensive linemen to help the running game.
6-2, 324 pound guard Jacques McClendon, who set school weightlifting records in both bench and squat was grabbed in the 4th round, followed by Brody Eldridge, a big blocking tight end from Oklahoma, both could step in immediately. Polian then turned back to defense with defensive lineman Ricardo Mathews from Cincinnati who plays both positions, and linebacker Kavell Conner from Clemson, a guy Polian says plays like Clint Session.
With their last pick? IU cornerback Ray Fisher, one of the nation’s top return men will come in and get a shot to upgrade one of the Colts problem areas, critical picks all. Day two bigger for the Colts than most.
“Statistics show we have more second day draft choices and collegiate free agents that play critical roles for us than any team in the NFL. And in salary cap situations, something we hope we get back to in a year you have to do that. That’s our model, that’s what we’ve done, that’s what we’ll continue to do and it works for us,”” said Polian.
And after three days of poring over names, stats and game film, both Polian and his coach think they’ve done what they set out to do.
“It’s very important for us to get guys that are smart, that can run and can learn the system quickly and develop in the system, and I think we’ve done that in a number of different positions, but one old axiom Bill always says after the draft is over with, you’re one player short somewhere along the line, but this year we’re pretty complete,” said Jim Caldwell.
Polian agreed. “We’re real happy with the draft, everyone’s happy today obviously. What it’s all about is getting good players, and we feel we’ve done that once again.”
Eight draft picks, six on defense, and all needs addressed, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker and cornerback. The draft picks and the signed free agents will report to the Colts complex on Friday.
according to wishtv.com
